Barcelona are heavily linked with the signing of Chelsea’s Brazilian forward Willian.
Reports from Spain confirm that La Liga giants, Barcelona, are looking to involve as many as three players in an exchange deal for Chelsea forward, Willian.
The Catalan giants have turned their attention towards Brazilian international, Willian, after Atletico Madrid star, Antoine Griezmann, decided to stay at the Spanish capital. On the other hand, Willian, who is also a primary target for Manchester United, is thought to be keen on leaving the Stamford Bridge outfit this window.
Regardless of Willian’s willingness to leave the club after a fall-out with manager Antonio Conte, the Blues are hesitant to sell him, and have put an enormous price tag of £70 million on him.
Spanish outlet, Mundo Deportivo reports that the Camp Nou outfit are not willing to pay such a huge fee for the 29-year-old. As a result, Barcelona have put the option of player-plus-cash deal for the Brazilian instead. The club is said to be willing to include three players in the swap deal, all of whom are not part of Ernesto Valverde’s plans next season.
The players that Barcelona can offer are Andre Gomes and Rafinha, with the Blaugranas willing to sell both of them. On the other hand, Paulinho can also be included in the offer if it will allow them to sign Willian. Rafinha spent the last half of the season on loan at Inter Milan, with the Serie A giant refusing to use their buy-out option.
Paulinho has played regularly for Barcelona last season, but is open to a move away from the club, with him and Willian having a common agent in Kia Joorabchian. Joorabchian is believed to be at the centre of the deal, and is looking for the best for both of his clients.
Willian is also attracted to the huge South-American influence in the Barcelona dressing room, with players like Philippe Coutinho, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi all being integral part of the Barcelona set-up. However, it is also reported that the 29-year-old is still open to a move to Manchester United.
Willian is currently at the World Cup in Russia with the Brazil side, having played an important role in the side’s victory over Mexico in the Round of 16. Brazil now face Belgium on the 6th of July in the World Cup quarter-finals.
